Camp near Alexandria

April 8^th 1862

           

Mr Bender,

                                    As George was writing to his brother I thought I would drop you a line.

 

I am on guard to-night, and it is one of the nights. It has been raining and snowing since yesterday noon. As yet there is not much prospect of the snow stopping. And to make the matter worse, I am on guard. I cannot help it, but I would if I could. I have not been in the best of health since I came back, but I will try and worry it.

 

As luck would have it we got a stove yesterday which comes in in good play to-day. There are 15 of us in the one tent. Big family. 

 

It is unnecessary to tell you all about our travels since we left Camp Pierpont. It was the awfulest time I ever seen. I hope we will never have to go through another such a siege. But this day is not much better.

 

From all appearances we will leave this to-morrow, as orders came this evening to be prepared to go to Manassas to-morrow, by way of Fairfax Court-House and Centreville. The distance to Manassas is about 28 miles. It will be an easy two days tramp. The Infantry are to go by railroad. It is not known what hour we will start, but one thing is certain to-morrow night will see us on our way to the once stronghold of the rebels, Manasas.

 

We had great anticipations that we would get a ride on the "big boats", but alas ours is another lot. 

 

I suppose you hear from the Abolitionists now and then in regard to Gen M^cClellan. They hate him and he dont care a fig. I can but repeat the opinion of the whole army under him; viz: "he is a bully pup".

 

You will have to excuse this bad writing as it is done on my knee knee. I will have to write another letter or two and then go on guard again at 12 o'clock.

           

My respects to all

yours &c.

W. M^cClelland

Battery B. 1^st Pa. Art'y.

M^cCalls Division 1^st Army Corps

Washington D. C.

Care Capt Cooper.

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